Atishi Ends Hunger Strike Due to Deteriorating Health
Atishi, Delhi’s Water Minister, has terminated her indefinite hunger strike as her health deteriorated, leading to hospitalization early Tuesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh announced that Atishi was admitted to the emergency ICU at Lok Nayak Hospital after her blood sugar levels dropped significantly.
The hunger strike, initiated on June 21 amidst Delhi’s severe water crisis, aimed to press the Haryana government for Delhi’s rightful share of water. Atishi’s health worsened as she abstained from food for five days. Her condition became critical with blood sugar levels plummeting to 36, prompting medical intervention.
Dr. Suresh Kumar, the medical director at LNJP Hospital, confirmed Atishi’s stable condition in the ICU. He noted that despite initial reluctance, she was admitted due to declining health indicators and the presence of ketones in her urine.
Delhi faces acute water scarcity exacerbated by soaring temperatures. Atishi highlighted that while Delhi requires 1,005 million Gallons per Day (MGD), Haryana’s supply only meets 613 MGD of this demand, falling short by 100 MGD recently. This deficit affects approximately 28 lakh residents relying on adequate water supply.
The AAP plans to escalate this issue politically, with Singh announcing intentions to petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi for swift action on Delhi’s water needs.
